Affordable Housing Scheme
The Affordable Purchase Scheme, in Ireland, helps eligible buyers purchase a new-build home at below market price when they cannot afford the full market value using their mortgage and deposit alone. The scheme is mainly aimed at first-time buyers and certain “Fresh Start” applicants.
Your local authority and how it works
Cavan County Council Affordable Housing Scheme is currently progressing the delivery of Affordable Housing.
Details of schemes will be publicly advertised across Cavan County Council’s website, local newspapers and on social media pages.
- Cavan County Council sells a newly built home at a reduced price;
- The difference between the market value and the price you pay is covered by Cavan County Council as an equity share in the property;
- You own and live in the home, but Cavan County Council retains a percentage interest in it
For example:
- Market value: €350,000
- Affordable purchase price: €280,000
- Discount: €70,000 (20%)
You buy the home for €280,000 and Cavan County Council holds 20% equity share. If you later sell the home, Cavan County Council is generally entitled to 20% of the sale value unless you have bought out that share beforehand.
The Affordable Housing Scheme offers an important opportunity for eligible applicants to access home ownership where it may otherwise be out of reach. However, it carries particular legal and financial implications—including aspects such as shared equity, conditions on resale, and redemption arrangements—which require careful consideration and a clear understanding before proceeding.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for a property under the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme, the following criteria apply:
- The combined gross household income of all applicants must be below a certain limit. The limit is calculated by multiplying the gross household income by 4. This must be less than 85.5% of the market value of the affordable home, (exceptions to this may apply in certain circumstances).
- The applicant(s) gross household income, the deposit and any excess savings must not exceed 95% of the market value of the home.
- The Scheme is for First-Time buyers or qualify under the 'Fresh Start' principle.
- For example:
1. If you have been divorced, legally separated, or your civil partnership or relationship has ended, and you no longer live in and have no financial interest in your previous family home then you could be eligible to apply under this scheme.
2. If you have been divested of a home through personal insolvency or bankruptcy proceedings you may also be eligible to apply for this scheme.
3. If you previously owned, were beneficially entitled to, or have an interest in a dwelling in the State and this dwelling, because of its size, is not suited to the current accommodation needs of your household. Conditions may apply.
- For example:
- A minimum deposit of 10% of the purchase price is required.
- Each person included in the application must have the right to reside indefinitely in the State.
- The affordable home will be principle place of residence.
- Over 18 years of age.
Cavan County Council will assess applicants eligibility in accordance with regulations and its Scheme of Priority.
How to apply
Applications will only be accepted through an online application portal. On the day the application portal opens, a link to apply will be made available on Cavan County Council’s website. You can proceed to complete the online application form and submit the requested documentation.
The opening date and time for the application will be advertised at least two weeks in advance.
The decision on your application will be in accordance with eligibility criteria and Cavan County Council's Scheme of Priorities. View the Affordable Housing Scheme of Priorities.
In certain circumstances application will be prioritised based on the date and time applications are received.
When affordable homes are made available for purchase, they will be advertised in the following places including details on how and when to apply;
- Cavan County Council's website
- Cavan County Council's Social Media channels
- In a local / national newspaper
How can an applicant prepare for an application?
- Gather all the supporting documentation as set out in our Affordable Housing Scheme Checklist: Download the document checklist
- Apply for the Help to Buy Scheme (if applicable)
- We highly recommend that applicants would have Mortgage Approval in Principle in place.
- Read the Affordable Purchase Income Assessment Policy: Download the Affordable Purchase Income Assessment Policy
- Complete the Salary Certificate: Download the Salary Certificate
Frequently Asked Questions
The Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) document contains answers to many of the most common questions about the scheme.
More Information
- Visit the Affordable Homes website at: Affordable Purchase Scheme | Cost Rental Scheme
- Watch an information video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NSDMMhcASj0
- Download the Step-by-step guide on how to buy an affordable home (PDF, 450KB)
- Download Cavan County Council's Scheme of Priority for Affordable Dwelling Purchase Arrangement
Contact Us
Affordable Housing Co-ordinator
Housing Section,
Cavan County Council,
Courthouse, Cavan
Phone: 049 4378330 or 086 825 9923
Email: affordablehousing@cavancoco.ie
Note: For further information on how Cavan County Council manages your data, or to exercise your data protection rights, view our data protection policy at www.cavancoco.ie/privacy